Conserve resources & protect environment

Crop sector

Soil, fertilizers, pesticides and land

Develop cropping pattern and integrated nutrient management methodologies to decrease nutrient depletion in soil and enhance organic matter contentsDevelop nutrient efficient varieties, especially in wheat, cotton, sugarcane, rice, maize and vegetablesImprove fertilizers use efficiency through liquid and band placement 3A.1.4. Develop fertilizer use recommendations for different cropping systemsDevelop appropriate technologies to reduce soil erosion, desertification, soil compaction, and salinity & sodicityResearch on developing efficient methods for composting 3A.1.7. Standardization of spraying techniquesDeveloping alternatives of chemicals used in crops and livestock sector for improving health and productivityDevelopment and validation of IPM models of different pests in various crops (especially in cotton and vegetables where maximum pesticide is used)Develop standards for the use of additives in spray mixtures to reduce pesticide doses 3A.1.11. Develop better land use options for Thal and Cholistan areas (crops, plants, grasses, small ruminant, etc.)

Water use Efficiency

Research on alternatives of flood irrigation at farm level by on farm storage, sprinkler irrigation and trickle irrigation and develop optimum input and management schemes for eachImprove water use efficiency by adapting direct seeding in rice and furrow-bed system in other cropsDevelop rain water harvesting and conservation technologies for rainfed and dry regions 3A.2.4. Determination of optimum water requirements under alternative irrigation technologies of different crops grown under different soil types in different zones

Environmental Efficiency of Crop and Livestock Production

Management of pollinators particularly honeybees for sustainable agriculture crop yields of cross pollinated cropsStudies on fate and pathway(s) of agrochemicals particularly pesticides in soil, water, and food chain including livestock products and environmentDocumenting the impact of pesticides and livestock production in close proximity of humans on environment including human/animal health.Developing technologies for reducing pesticides and heavy metals residues in different food commodities including livestock productsTechnologies for crop and livestock residue management for the conservation/ protection of environment.